Based at Camp Pendleton, Cazarez had been an armored vehicle crewman assigned to the 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division.

This was his first deployment to Afghanistan.

Cazarez had won a number of decorations, including the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation.